English

The Course

The Subject Knowledge for Teaching Course part of the English PGCE Course is continually revised and updated in order to respond to feedback from trainees and mentors and to take account of ongoing government initiatives and legislation. It has been planned to include a range of experiences that will allow trainees to develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness to become good English teachers. There are three elements that contribute to this: the Subject Knowledge for Teaching Course course; the generic Professional Studies course and the two school placements. Making coherent links between these three elements is essential if trainees are to exploit the course to its full potential and make the most of their development opportunities over the course of the year.

English Content

During the course trainees will become acquainted with the content and nature of the English curriculum 11 - 18 and will develop a language to describe the teaching and learning of English. Relevant literature such as the National Curriculum, OFSTED Reports, and the National Strategies will provide a framework to describe English, the variety of activities, outcomes of related activities and ways of promoting English in the classroom. A wide range of exemplar resources and methods will be used so that trainee teachers experience different approaches, reflect on their experiences and consider the implications for the classroom. Specific aspects of classroom organisation and management of the National Curriculum and the National Strategies will be introduced. The appropriate use of ICT in teaching and learning in English will be addressed throughout the course. Sessions will involve trainees in discussions, presentations of work and practical activities. Each session is supported by relevant subject reading.

English in the National Curriculum - Key Concepts - Key Stage 3

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of English at Key Stage 3 . Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding. These essential concepts promote pupils' progress in speaking and listening, reading and writing.

1.1 Competence
1. Being clear, coherent and accurate in spoken and written communication.
2. Reading and understanding a range of texts, and responding appropriately.
3. Demonstrating a secure understanding of the conventions of written language, including grammar, spelling and punctuation.
4. Being adaptable in a widening range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts within the classroom and beyond.
5. Making informed choices about effective ways to communicate formally and informally.

1.2 Creativity
1. Making fresh connections between ideas, experiences, texts and words, drawing on a rich experience of language and literature.
2. Using inventive approaches to making meaning, taking risks, playing with language and using it to create new effects.
3. Using imagination to convey themes, ideas and arguments, solve problems, and create settings, moods and characters.
4. Using creative approaches to answering questions, solving problems and developing ideas.

1.3 Cultural understanding
1. Gaining a sense of the English literary heritage and engaging with important texts in it.
2. Exploring how ideas, experiences and values are portrayed differently in texts from a range of cultures and traditions.
3. Understanding how English varies locally and globally, and how these variations relate to identity and cultural diversity.

1.4 Critical understanding
1. Engaging with ideas and texts, understanding and responding to the main issues.
2. Assessing the validity and significance of information and ideas from different sources.
3. Exploring others' ideas and developing their own.

4. Analysing and evaluating spoken and written language to appreciate how meaning is shaped.